This portfolio discusses assistive technology and how it can benefit students, individuals, and communities. Assistive technology is any item that helps increase, maintain, or improve the capabilities of those with disabilities. It can be low-tech, mid-tech, or high-tech. In classrooms, assistive technology enhances learning and engagement for students. Examples of assistive technology that help with writing are word processors and speech-to-text software. Assistive technology also improves independence at home through devices for mobility, communication, and daily living. When used effectively, assistive technology strengthens education, the workforce, and overall quality of life.

1. Assistive Technology
Power Point
EDSP 6469 - 476

2. Author’s
Biography

3. Hi! My name is Colette.
I’m a certified, Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade teacher
in the great state of Louisiana. Currently, I’m earning additional
certification to teach blind and visually impaired students
through the University of New Orleans. As part of my
coursework requirements, I must create an online portfolio
about assistive technology. Hopefully, you will find my portfolio
not only informative and useful, but also less boring than most
portfolios.

4. Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction to AT
Section 2: How Can AT Improve the Classroom?
Section 3: How Can AT Improve the Home Environment?
Section 4: How Can AT Improve the Community?
Section 5: How Does AT Improve Life, Overall?
Section 6: Resources

5. SECTION 1
Introduction to AT

6. When you think of Assistive
Technology, what comes to
mind?

7. Do you think of these
devices?

8. Or, perhaps, do some of
these tools come to mind?

9. You’re correct!

10. Assistive Technology is
defined as any item that is
used to increase, maintain,
or improve the functional
capabilities of an individual
with a disability.

12. Assistive technology devices include,
but are not limited to laptops, voice-
output devices, microphones, audio
aides, speech amplifiers, talking
calculators, magnifiers, closed-circuit
televisions, adapted writing
instruments, and more.

13. AT Devices can be categorized
into three types:
 Low-Tech Devices
 Mid-Tech Devices
 High-Tech Devices

14. LOW-TECH DEVICES
Portable, Easy-to-Use, Cost Effective
http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Populations/Blind/devices.php
http://www.mayer-johnson.com/category/assistive-technology/aac-low-tech

15. MID-TECH DEVICES
Relatively Inexpensive, Portable, Little or No
Additional Training Required
http://ablenetinc.com
http://www.enablemart.com/
http://amdi.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=141_115_151&product_id=165

16. HIGH-TECH DEVICES
Costly, Typically Require Training,
Alternative Solution When Other AT is
Ineffective
http://americanthermoform.com/
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cf/Pride_Jazzy_Select_power_chair_001.JPG

17. Now that you have a better
understanding of AT, do you know the
difference between an
accommodation and a modification,
as these apply to instruction for
students with exceptionalities?

18. An accommodation is a change that
helps a student overcome or work
around the disability. Allowing a
student who has trouble writing to
give his answers orally is an example
of an accommodation.
http://www.hishelpinschool.com/adaptation/accmoddetails.htm

19. A modification typically means a
change in what is being taught to
or expected from the student.
Making an assignment easier so
the student is not doing the same
level of work as other students is
an example of a modification.
http://www.hishelpinschool.com/adaptation/accmoddetails.htm

20. But, why is it so important to
know the difference between
accommodations and
modifications, anyway?

21. That’s a GREAT QUESTION!
But, first, let’s discuss the
specific requirements for
Louisiana, regarding special
education.

22. In Louisiana, special education students,
students with exceptionalities, and students
who have been identified with other disabilities
all have the right to a free appropriate public
education, in the least restrictive environment.
These students are to receive special
education and/or other related services that
meet their unique needs. This includes being
provided with effective accommodations and
modifications, including access to assistive
technology.
http://www.louisianaschools.net/divisions/specialp/parents_rights.html

23. Some of the laws, policies, and mandates that protect these students include:
Federal Laws
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. Chapter 33, as
amended by P.L. 105-17
• 34 Code of Federal Regulations-Parts 300 and 301
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
State Law
• R.S. 17:1941, et seq. (R.S. 17:1944.B (8, 11, & 20)
BESE Regulations and Bulletins
• Bulletin 1706: Regulations for the Implementation of the Children with
Exceptionalities Act; The Pupil Appraisal Handbook; Bulletin 1573:
Complaint Management Procedures; and The Individualized Education
Program (IEP) Handbook.
www.louisianaschools.net

24. Now, back the to an important question…..
Why do we need to know
the difference between
accommodations and
modifications, anyway?

25. The answer is simple……….
To help ensure that special needs
students receive the best education
possible, teachers, instructional
support staff, and parents/guardians
must be knowledgeable about
accommodations and modifications.

26. SECTION 2
How Can AT Improve
the Classroom
Environment?

27. Assistive Technology improves the classroom
because it enhances learning, helps differentiate
instruction, and provides students with other
many advantages.
It adds value to instruction and allows students to
increase their academic performance, experience
success, become more actively engaged in their
learning, and be more independent.

28. In short, assistive
technology helps students
meet their education goals.

29. Although AT assists students in all
academic areas, the writing process is
a huge focus of today’s curriculum.
So, let’s briefly look at this area.

30. Admittedly, many students seem to have
challenges with the writing process; however,
students with disabilities may face additional
challenges.
So, it is important for educators to be aware of
these issues and to be prepared to provide
solutions.

31. Handwriting, spelling, and grammar are all part
of the writing process. These skills fit together,
much like a puzzle.
If a student in unable to perform in one of
these areas, it can be detrimental to the entire
process. Consequently, educators should be
aware of the AT devices and resources that are
available to help students in these specific
areas.

32. Some of the AT devices that can assist
students with the writing process
include:
 Adaptive Writing Instruments
 Pencil Grips
 Text-to-Speech Devices
 Word Processors
 Interactive Software
 Spell Checkers

33. As previously mentioned, AT can assist
students across all areas of the
curriculum. So, as a teacher, it is your
responsibility to research this area and
find the tools that best meet the needs of
all of your students.

34. By using assistive technology to
give all students access to every
area of the curriculum,
educators support the concept
of the Universal Design of
Learning.

35. The Universal Design for Learning is
based on three main principles:
 Provide multiple means of representation
 Provide multiple means of action and
expression
 Provide multiple means of engagement

36. Learning more about the Universal Design for
Learning (UDL) is beneficial for all teachers and
will help them meet the expectations of the
Common Core State Standards.
The National Center on Universal Design for
Learning is an advocate for this approach.
Please take some time to review their website:
http://www.udlcenter.org/advocacy

37. As an educator, it is your duty and
responsibility to ensure that every
student in your classroom reaches his/her
fullest academic potential. So, embracing
assistive technology and learning to
effectively utilize it throughput your daily
instruction will help you achieve this goal.

38. SECTION 3
How Can AT Improve
the Home
Environment?

39. Assistive Technology has many
benefits for individuals that have
disabilities or special needs in the
home environment, too. It can
improve their quality of life,
especially in the areas of mobility,
communication, and self-help skills.
So, let’s explore each of these areas.

40. For individuals that have challenges with
mobility, there are many types of assistive
technology that can assist them. Some of the
AT that falls into this category includes:
 Canes
 Electric Wheel Chairs
 Walkers

41. Communication is essential for living a quality
life. So, for those that have a disability or
exceptionality that makes communication
difficult, assistive technology that provides help
in this area is invaluable. A few of the AT
devices available in this area are:
 Voice-Output Devices
 Electronic Speech Aids
 Text-to-Speech Software

42. Everyday tasks like getting dressed, taking a
bath, or answering the phone are often difficult
for those that have disabilities. Consequently,
AT devices that offer assistance with self-help
skills are equally important.
 Talking Watches
 Voice Activated Phones
 Various Switches

43. The ability to move, communicate, and
address our personal needs comes easily
for most of us. But, how would you feel if
you could not perform these basic tasks ?
It would be quite frustrating, to say the
least.

44. Well, thankfully, Assistive Technology can ease
the frustration of those who are unable to
perform such tasks. It allows them to be more
independent and confident, at home. It
improves their quality of life.

45. SECTION 4
How Can AT Improve the
Community?

46. We already know that, when used
effectively, assistive technology has
the ability to improve educational
systems. In addition, we’ve discussed
how AT allows individuals to be more
independent and productive.

47. So, it’s only reasonable to conclude
that assistive technology can
positively impact communities, as
well. This can been seen in:
 Improved Education Levels
 Better-Trained Workforces
 Productive Citizens
 Better, Overall Environment

48. SECTION 5
How does AT Improve Life,
Overall?

49. This is the easiest
question to answer of
all………

50. AT improves life, overall,
because it helps link everything
together!

51. Every individual has the right to live a quality
life. Hopefully, you now realize the countless
advantages that Assistive Technology can
provide. But, please, don’t just take my word
for it. Research, explore, investigate, and
develop your own knowledge of assistive
technology and improve your AT skills.
Have Fun! 

52. SECTION 6
RESOURCES

53. The information and photographs used in this power point came,
in part, from the following resources:
Assistive Technology in the Classroom, Amy G. Dell, Deborah A. Newton, and Jerry G. Petroff, Pearson, 2012
Websites:
• Product Resources:
• http://www.mayer-johnson.com/category/assistive-technology/aac-low-tech
• http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Populations/Blind/devices.php
• http://ablenetinc.com
• http://www.enablemart.com/
• http://rapidassisttech.com/
• http://americanthermoform.com/
• http://www.nextup.com/?gclid=CODz5oSo_bMCFemiPAod0EAAXw
• http://www.iltsource.com/
• https://sites.google.com/site/cuyahogaat/computer-access/websites/vendors
• http://amdi.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=141_115_151&product_id=165
• http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cf/Pride_Jazzy_Select_power_chair_001.JPG
• Informational Resources:
• http://www.louisianaschools.net/divisions/specialp
• http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html
• http://edtech2.boisestate.edu/adkinsj/575/final/Assistivetechnology.html
• http://www.cpt.fsu.edu/eseold/in/acom/tech.html
• http://cat.buffalo.edu/
• http://www.ist.hawaii.edu/training/tech/07_types2.php
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_technology
• http://www.pluk.org/Pubs/ATguide4LD_419k.pdf
• http://www.hishelpinschool.com/adaptation/accmoddetails.htm
• http://www.tryengineering.org/lessons/adaptivedevices.pdf
• Articles:
• http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-young-children-special-education
• http://www.thestate.com/2012/05/04/2261857/high-tech-low-tech-methods-meet.html
• Organizations:
• http://www.udlcenter.org/